Zebrafish are increasingly being used as animal model in neuro-behavioural and neuro-endocrine research. Reasons for this are, among others, the low costs, easy management and a well-defined genome. Given this, zebrafish now replace mice in many paradigms. While this may be valid from one perspective, zebrafish are clearly different from mammals: they are ectothermic rather than endothermic, their nervous system is organised differently, they have a duplicated genome, and their behaviour is tailored to an aquatic environment rather than a terrestrial environment. Therefore, it is relevant and timely to address questions on the ins and cuts of gene, brain and behaviour research in zebrafish.Which topics will be discussed?Crucial to the success of using zebrafish as research models is understanding the unique properties of zebrafish. The following topics will therefore be addressed during the course: the phylogenetic position of zebrafish; duplicated genome of zebrafish; neuro-anatomy including the nervous system's remarkable plasticity; social (shoaling and interaction) and non-social (anxiety, fear, reward-related) behaviour of zebrafish; neuro-endocrinology (related to stress and metabolism); development from the larval to the adult stage; the 'ecology' of zebrafish ('the wild and the lab').State-of- the-art techniques will be discussed and demonstrated to unravel and understand gene, brain and behaviour relationships in zebrafish.How do we achieve an optimal learning environment?During the course you will take part in interactive lectures, practicals with state-of-the-art techniques, and small discussion parties to optimise interaction between lecturers and attendants and among attendants.We welcome topics for small discussion parties from attendants before the start of the course.
Course leaderProf. G. (Gert) FlikDr. R. (Ruud) van den BosOrganismal Animal PhysiologyFaculty of ScienceRadboud University
Target groupThis course is designed for researchers who are currently working or are planning to start working with Zebrafish in the field of gene, brain and behaviour.Entry levelPhD Post-doc Professional
Course aimAfter this course you are able to:Address pro's en cons of using zebrafish as models in brain and behaviour research Understand zebrafish brain and behaviour Understand zebrafish genetics Understand zebrafish neuro-endocrinology
Credits info2 ECTS European Credits
Fee infoEUR 450: The course fee includes the registration fee, course materials, access to library and IT facilities, coffee/tea, lunch, and a number of social activities.Possible discounts10% discount for early bird applicants. The early bird deadline is 1 April 2015. 15% discount for students and PhD candidates from Radboud University and partner universities
Radboud UniversityAddress: P.O Box 9102 Nijmegen
Postal code: 6500 HC
City: Nijmegen
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/
E-mail: radboudsummerschool@ru.nl
Phone: +31 (0)24 8187706
